WP: U.S. Urges Punishment For Iran Nuclear Work (Others Back Incentives)

[Pirate Smile]

U.S. Urges Punishment For Iran Nuclear Work
Other Nations Continue to Back Incentives

By Dafna Linzer
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 3, 2005; Page A18

UNITED NATIONS, May 2 -- The Bush administration said Monday that Iran was trying to build atomic weapons in secret and suggested the international community should respond by taking away Tehran's right to nuclear energy technology.

Other world leaders attending a nuclear conference seemed to dismiss the U.S. call for punitive measures. Instead, they spoke of incentives and negotiations as a way of encouraging the Islamic republic to give up worrisome aspects of its energy program that could be diverted for weapons work.

The Bush administration went into the conference hoping to increase pressure on Iran, but its speech highlighted the differences between the United States and its allies over how best to handle emerging nuclear issues.

The crises in Iran and North Korea took center stage on the opening day of a month-long conference to review and possibly strengthen the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Written in 1970, the treaty provides countries that forgo nuclear weapons with access to sensitive technology to be used only for nuclear energy. As part of the deal, the five original weapons states -- the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China -- agreed to eventually eliminate their own stockpiles.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/02/AR2005050201594.html

[Beetwasher]

1. The US Gov't Should Talk To Dick Cheney

I hear he knows a lot about the Iranian Nuclear program, as a matter of fact, the way I hear it, he sold them a bunch-a-shit via a Halliburton subsidiary to help them get going.

[dxdem]

2. It really does

show the difference in foreign policy. We point our fingers, shout, and cry, hoping to get our way, they make enlightened moves towards progress, based on mutual respect and chance for success. California parenting? Maybe. But I like it.

[salib]

3. Yes. I agree with incentives.

Let's encourage them.

[MrPrax]

4. Lead Up To An Attack...

Some have been predicting June...

Maybe they are right...
the US will 'throw' up it's hands, shortly, at UN/Euro/Russian intransgience on the issue and cite that they are placing their national interests before global security, blah blah and so Israel will have NO choice but attack with the help of the US based in Iraq because of all the foot dragging...

[thebigidea]

5. boy, I can't wait to see what Bolton adds to this discussion

blegh.